Gideon

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal or Jerubbesheth, was a judge of Israel during the period of the judges, as recorded in the book of Judges, chapters 6-8. He is also mentioned inHebrews 11:32as an example of faith. Gideon was the son of Joash, from the clan of Abiezer in the tribe of Manasseh (Judges 6:11, 15). During a time when Israel was oppressed by the Midianites, God called Gideon to deliver His people (Judges 6:14). Gideon initially doubted his ability to save Israel, but God reassured him through various signs, including a fleece wet with dew (Judges 6:36-40). Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole, earning him the name Jerubbaal, which means "let Baal contend against him" (Judges 6:25-32). With a reduced army of 300 men, chosen by God, Gideon defeated the Midianites through a surprise attack, using trumpets, empty jars, and torches (Judges 7:1-25). He pursued the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and captured them (Judges 8:4-21). After the victory, the Israelites asked Gideon to rule over them, but he refused, stating that only God should rule over Israel (Judges 8:22-23). However, Gideon made an ephod from the gold taken from the Midianites, which became a snare to him and his family (Judges 8:24-27). Gideon had seventy sons and many wives, including a concubine from Shechem who bore him a son named Abimelech (Judges 8:29-31). After Gideon's death, Abimelech killed his seventy brothers and became king of Shechem, but his rule was short-lived and ended in his death (Judges 9). Gideon is remembered as a deliverer of Israel, and his story is referenced in1 Samuel 12:11and2 Samuel 11:21. The name Jerubbesheth (2 Samuel 11:21) is a variation of Jerubbaal, with "besheth" (meaning "shame") replacing "baal" to avoid using the name of the pagan god.